They, apparently a reference to Pharisees and teachers of the law (v. 11), observed: “John’s disciples often fast and pray and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking” (Luke 5:23). In context, this appears to be in the form of a complaint.

Jesus inquired by way of a response, “Can you make the guest of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, in those days they will fast.” This recalls wisdom literature. Accordingly, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time for war and a time for peace” (Eccles. 3:1-2, 4, 8).

“I should repeat from the outset that I do not think any one term or title fully captures the truth about the historical Jesus,” Ben Witherington III allowed. However, “If the value of an approach is shown by the wide variety of puzzles and enigmas it helps to solve, then a sapietial (pertaining to wisdom) approach to Jesus has a lot going for it.” Jesus is thus portrayed as a sage.

Having been alerted to the likely context, we turn to the content. Under heaven implies all that is good and acceptable. Initially, there is a time to be born. I was conceived when my mother was beyond the age women usually give birth, and poor in health. Even so, I am not aware she ever seriously considered an abortion.

Former President Bill Clinton, echoed by President Barack Obama, allowed that the vast majority of Americans would prefer that abortion be legal, safe and seldom. The current practice, while contributing to it being legal and safe, decidedly does not approach the ideal of seldom.

Egyptologist Jim Hoffmeier concluded this amounts to a cultural equivalent for infanticide. It was, for instance, customary in Roman times to expose unwanted children by the wayside. This prompted early Christians to adopt these pathetic creatures, and raise them in a loving environment.

Not only was an appropriate time but means a concern in wisdom literature. Fasting and prayer and eating and drinking are singled out for consideration. As for the former, one source suggests four benefits associated with repentance, self-discipline, focusing on spiritual concerns, and awakening compassion. The last of these especially appeals to me.

As for the latter, wine was employed in various ways in antiquity, such as to clean wounds, alleviate pain or reduce the alkaline content in water. Since it was common to employ a dilute mixture, rabbinic literature commonly recommended six or 10 parts water to one part wine. Clement of Alexandria alludes to this common practice, but also expresses admiration for those who refrain altogether.

Along with an appropriate time and means, Jesus insisted there should be an appropriate purpose. In creedal terms, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. We are to honor God as Father, which implies divine authority. Jesus also insisted on God’s benevolent intent. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” he inquired. “If you, the, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:9, 11)

Then, too, we should obey willingly. Which recalls my mother’s observation, “If you can’t do what I ask happily, I would prefer that you don’t do it.” Thus glorifying God and enjoying his blessing go hand in hand. All things considered, welcome to Jesus as a sage.